The Douglas Local Emergency Planning
Committee has been established to
organize an emergency plan to prepare for
and respond to hazardous chemical and
biological emergencies that may affect
public safety, the environment, or the local
economy. The Douglas LEPC consists of
representatives from municipal agencies
and local businesses including the Douglas
School Department, Douglas Department
of Public Works, the Douglas Police
and Fire Departments, Guilford of Maine,
and ExxonMobil Pipeline Company.

Community Right-to-Know information
about hazardous materials is available at
the Douglas Fire Department on weekdays
between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The business telephone at the Douglas
Fire Department is (508) 476-2267.

This brochure summarizes important
points to assist the citizens of Douglas in
preparing for large-scale emergencies.
Establish an emergency plan that includes
important telephone numbers, means to
monitor news and emergency agencies,
and special provisions for children,
disabled, elderly family members, and pets.
In the event of an emergency, remain
calm and patient. Follow your emergency
plan of action.

Be sure to account for everyone

• Ensure all family members are located.
  Check for injuries.
  
  
• Locate pets if safe to do so. Pets
  should be secured and provided with food and water.

• Check with your neighbors to ensure
  they are safe and to let them know you
  are as well.

• Monitor local radio and television stations for news and instructions.

• Be prepared to evacuate if so advised.
  Wear suitable clothing for weather exposure and other outdoor conditions.

Check for damage in your home

• Have flashlights available in the event
  of power outages.

• Watch for fallen electric power lines.
  Assume all power lines are energized.
  Prevent other people from contacting
  the lines.

• Homes with gas utilities should be
  checked for gas leaks at the stove,
  water heater, and dryer. The gas meter
  should also be checked. If gas is
  escaping, do not operate electric
  switches or appliances, and extinguish
  candles and smoking materials. Gas
  stoves and water heaters equipped
  with pilot lights are ignition sources.
  If safe to do so, open windows to ventilate the house. Evacuate the house
  until the gas release has been stopped
  and ventilated.

• Check for spilled cleaning chemicals,
  flammable liquids, heating oil, pesticides, and other dangerous substances. Attempts to clean up or control these substances must be done only with proper safety precaution and equipment.
  
  
• Check plumbing for water leaks.

• Damaged overhead light fixtures.

• Broken windows, pictures, and mirrors.

• Shifted storage items in the attic, garage and on shelves.

• Damaged garage door supports.

• Damaged chimneys.

• Broken tree limbs suspended from
  other branches or wires.

If necessary to evacuate:

• Tune your radio to a local station for
  instructions.

• Proceed to the evacuation shelter as
  instructed. Follow the evacuate route
  designated by the emergency officials.

• Wear suitable clothing and shoes.
  Bring an extra change of clothing.

• Notify emergency officials if special
  provisions are needed to assist or
  transport a disabled family member to
  the evacuation shelter.

• A 24-hour supply of special provisions
  should be brought to the evacuation
  shelter (medications, diapers, etc.).

• Make arrangements for pets if they are
  not permitted at the evacuation shelter.

• Inform family contacts when and where you have been evacuated.

• Properly dispose of burning materials.

• Don't overload electrical outlets.

• Make sure extension cords are the
  proper size to prevent overheating and
  protected against damage.

• Store flammable liquids in approved
  containers.

• Two 5-lb. or 10-lb. ABC-type dry
  chemical fire extinguishers should be
  available, one for the kitchen and the
  other near an exit on the opposite side
  of the house. Extinguishers should be
  inspected monthly.

• Test your smoke detectors each month.

• Plan escape routes from each room
  your home. Consider using collapsible
  metal chain ladders from upper floors.

• Remain close to the floor when exiting
  a smoke-filled room. Smoke and heat
  rise to the ceiling first.
  
  
• Establish a location outside your home
  (near the street) for family members to
  meet in case you have to evacuate the
  building. This will ensure everyone
  has safely escaped.

• Keep a supply of batteries on hand for
  radios and flashlights.

• A supply of non-perishable foods should be stored for emergency purposes.

• Store extra drinking water for use during power outages.

• Extra water for utility purposes should also be available.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Business Telephone Numbers